Final answer:
The President can legally forgive a single person of a crime through the power of pardon. This power is granted by the U.S. Constitution and allows the President to grant pardons for federal offenses. The President does not have the authority to pardon someone for a state crime.
Step-by-step explanation:
The judicial power that enables the President to legally forgive a single person of a crime is called the power of pardon. According to the U.S. Constitution, the President has the authority to grant pardons for federal offenses. This power is derived from Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 of the Constitution, which states that the President has the 'Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.'
When the President grants a pardon, it essentially forgives the person for the crime committed and restores their rights and privileges that were lost due to the conviction. However, it's important to note that a pardon only applies to federal offenses, and the President does not have the power to pardon someone for a state crime. Each state has its own process and authority for granting pardons for state offenses.
One example of a President utilizing the power of pardon is President Gerald Ford's pardon of former President Richard Nixon in 1974. Nixon had resigned from office amid the Watergate scandal, and Ford issued a full and unconditional pardon to Nixon, stating that it was in the best interest of the nation to move forward and heal from the events surrounding Watergate.
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